eSprout May 2023
In this issue: Help TACF Build a Year-Round Greenhouse; Chestnut Chat: Documentary Update; 2023 Photo Contest; Call for Research Proposals; Chapter News; Calendar
Your support of TACF's 2023 Spring Appeal will help us build a modern, year-round greenhouse at our Meadowview Research Farms in VA. This facility will provide a climate-controlled space, allowing farm staff to significantly increase pollen and seedling production. Your contribution powers the entire chestnut restoration movement toward bolder research and greater impact, moving us closer to mission success. Thank you!
Join us on Friday, May 19 from 11:30AM - 1:00PM (EST) for our next LIVE Chestnut Chat. TACF is thrilled to announce that its long-anticipated documentary film, CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut, is a wrap! The film highlights the story of the tree’s significance, the people determined to save it, and its promising future. Mari Peterson of Marketing Outpost will share information about the film’s website, how to host a screening, and future rollout plans. TACF’s President & CEO Lisa Thomson and Director of Communications Jules Smith will also be on hand to discuss the making of and goals for the film. To learn more and register, click here.
Submission Deadline: September 1, 2023
What better subject for an award-winning photo than the American chestnut tree? It's time to start taking pictures or going through the ones you've already taken and submit them to this year's 2023 Photo Contest! Send us your most creative photos that display the tree's best features. The winner receives a one-year membership to TACF and their photo will be published on the cover of Chestnut magazine

We are grateful to all those who participated in last year's contest. The winning photo (pictured) was taken in PA by Chase Witmer and is the cover of this spring's 2023 issue of Chestnut.
Call for 2023 Research Proposals
Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research?

TACF is pleased to announce its annual request for research proposals. We will entertain proposals that concentrate on any aspect of chestnut biology and address our core mission to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

To learn how to submit a proposal and view previously funded proposals and their associated reports, visit the External Grants page on our website.
TACF State Chapter News
VT/NH-TACF: VT/NH Board Member Tom Estill has made it his mission to plant an American chestnut at every public school in Vermont – and with his latest efforts this spring, he’s already 1/6th of the way there! (Tom has also crossed the border into New Hampshire, but is focusing on one state at a time.) He typically visits six schools a week to drop off wild-type and hybrid American seedlings to school administrators or teachers for use with curriculum, demonstration, or special plantings like Arbor Day. Pictured: Castleton School staff pose proudly with their seedling.
MD-TACF: Former MD Chapter President Bruce Levine (pictured) and TACF Chief Conservation Officer Sara Fitzsimmons were featured in the April issue of Montgomery Magazine. The article, "A Comeback for the American Chestnut?" shares the story about the tree in Maryland: "Levine says all of Montgomery County was part of the American chestnut native range... It's hard to imagine Maryland's landscape so replete with chestnuts." Click here to read the full article.
Carolinas-TACF: Southern Regional Science Coordinator Jamie Van Clief and Carolinas Chapter President Doug Gillis greet visitors and answer questions about the American chestnut and TACF's restoration efforts during the 9th Annual Montreat Native Plant Sale in Montreat, NC. This event, which takes place on Earth Day every year, not only sells native plants but educates visitors about their importance. TACF is proud to be a participant at this celebration.

VT/NH-TACF: May 5 & 6 - New Hampshire Farm Show (VT/NH Chapter will have a booth)



GA-TACF: May 13 - Membership General Meeting

National TACF: May 19 - Chestnut Chat: TACF Documentary Film

Join our efforts to restore the American chestnut tree!
Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest restored to its splendor.
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